désolé d'entendre ça
The English phrase 'sorry to hear that' can be expressed in French as désolé d'entendre ça.
This phrase is used to express sympathy or regret after someone shares bad news. When reacting to such news, French speakers typically use the verb apprendre (to learn or to find out) instead of entendre (to hear).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use désolé d'entendre ça because it is a literal translation, but it sounds unnatural in French as entendre refers to the physical act of hearing a sound rather than receiving news.
Did you know?
- If someone shares a tragedy, a French speaker might respond with c'est triste, which translates to 'it is sad'. In English, saying 'that's sad' can sometimes sound dismissive, but in French, it is a standard expression of empathy.
- If you are expressing sympathy for a death, using the phrase Je suis désolé can sometimes sound too much like a personal apology for a mistake you made, rather than sympathy for the loss.
- In many formal French contexts, rather than using 'sorry', speakers will use the phrase Je suis navré de l'apprendre to convey a deeper, more elegant sense of regret.
Examples in context
- Je suis désolé d'apprendre le décès de votre père.I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your father.
- C'est avec regret que j'ai entendu parler de votre licenciement.It's with regret that I heard about your dismissal.
- Ça me fait mal au cœur d'entendre que tu traverses une période difficile.It hurts my heart to hear that you're going through a tough time.
- Je suis vraiment désolé d'apprendre ça, n'hésite pas si tu as besoin d'aide.I'm really sorry to hear that, don't hesitate to reach out if you need any help.
Example conversation
Hugo tells Chloé that his dog is sick.
- ChloéComment va ton chien, Hugo ?How is your dog, Hugo?
- HugoIl est très malade, je suis inquiet.He is very sick, I am worried.
- ChloéJe suis désolé d'entendre ça, j'espère qu'il ira mieux.I'm sorry to hear that, I hope he gets better.
- HugoMerci, Chloé, c'est gentil.Thank you, Chloé, that's kind.
